Im disappointed in myself for not putting together that this was an adam and eve retelling until close to the end, but I really enjoyed it. This book gave me Vivarium vibes, and kept you on your toes as the story unfolded. Would definitely recommend (4.3)

Very strange but really intriguing too. I liked the puzzle of this and the way things slotted together towards the end. A little strange, short book that I'd recommend (also, read it in one sitting!)

I'm reading to add titles to my HS collection and this particular title would not be a good addition. It was too abstract and confusing for my hs students.

Prose, although lovely, is a bit "precious." It's hard to say much about the plot without generating spoilers, and I did figure things out by mid book. Excellent narration, but I did not care for the book very much..

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* really loved this for how short it is! super creepy, would read again for sure

Sophia has the perfect life in the perfect community with the seemingly perfect husband, but things are rarely as perfect as they seem. With her husband often away Sophia spends much of her time tidying the house and thinking about the basement door that that is always locked. What is really going on in this so called perfect existence?

I listened to this book on audio and really enjoyed it. The narrator did a great job and their use of different voices to distinguish the characters really added to the appeal. I was really drawn to the darkness of this book and the fact that it was not at all what I had anticipated. It goes to places that that the reader isn’t expecting in the best way possible. A unique read. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

What an interesting and quick novella. I finished this audiobook in 2 days. It didn't even last for 2 full commutes to and from work! But as short as it is, it's pretty good.

This story takes place in Arcadia, a veritable garden of Eden, a gated community with many strict rules that the population has to abide by to continue living their. The main character is Sophia, a woman who was made for her husband. She is an adoring and doting wife for her husband that she views as perfect. She lives for each moment she can share with him.

But then Sophia realizes her perfect life and her perfect husband aren't what they seem. The people in her community aren't either. I don't want to spoil anything else, because I think it's important to go in blind.

Thank you netgalley and Dreamscape media for giving me an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Comfort Me With Apples had me feeling confused and off-kilter and I love that feeling! It ultimately went to a place that I guessed early on (having read someone else’s review with a little reference to something that flicked a switch right away) and when I finished all I felt was sad and a bit ragey at all the <spoiler> residing in this world. It’s fiction, yeah, but it also hits a nerve and I suppose that was the point of the story so it’s successful but I can’t say it was an experience I want to repeat any time soon. Days later I’m still feeling too grrrrr about it all!

I’m not saying much because saying anything about the reveal, even vaguely, can give it away. Sophia is a happy housewife, living in a gorgeous gated community, in her giant beautiful house and she has a group of eclectic neighbor friends. She loves her husband even though she never sees him because he’s so busy working - or something. “I was made for him” is her mantra and their life is perfect.

Until it isn’t.

She can abide by all of the HOA rules which get increasingly weirder as the book goes along but when she starts snooping where she shouldn’t snoop, as one will (I mean, COME ON, he’s locked the basement! How could you not?!), she finds some disturbing things . . .

This book is beautifully written and I understand why people are raving about it but I’m not entirely sure it worked for me. The ominous hints at something being completely not ok in this little community of perfection are done exquisitely well and I love a book filled with secrets but something here was off and after the first few chapters I found it a little bit of a struggle, to be honest. Part of that was the fact that the ARC had messy formatting but when I switched to the audio and began again I found I still had similar issues sticking with the story. The narrator is just this side of monotonous which didn’t help but I see why that choice was made. She comes to life in certain scenes (the friend meetup/luncheon was my favorite) and I always knew who was who but I caught myself drifting and rewinding several times which always signals a book isn’t working to hook me.

You’ll probably still be thinking about this story and putting all the little pieces together once you finish. I didn’t love it but that doesn’t mean I didn’t find parts of it enjoyable. It’s well crafted and if you’re a fan of a little dark mystery with a heavy dose of strangeness, you might want to check it out. Just do yourself a favor and go in completely blind.

This book was ok and I am not sure why it is getting such great reviews. The story was strange. I enjoyed the first half more then the second. I listened to the audiobook and found my mind wandering a lot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my review copy of the audiobook!

Unfortunately, this novella just didn't do it for me. I think I may have enjoyed it more in physical form, I just don't feel like the story translated well to audiobook and I was left feeling unmoved and unimpressed. The narrator's voice was robotic and frustrating, not to mention the story itself is incredibly strange and difficult to stick with. I was lured in by the premise and beautiful cover, but ultimately left disappointed. Not sure if its the format or the story itself, probably a little bit of both, but I likely won't be recommending this one anytime soon.

This is an incredibly unique thriller that blends in light SFF elements. The religious themes were a little "on the nose" for my tastes, but otherwise I generally liked the story. I was able to generally predict the twist but I don't think the author's intention was to fool the reader. I would recommend this one to readers looking for a fresh take on the domestic thriller genre.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

"Welcome to a new world of luxury living in Arcadia Gardens an exclusive, upscale gated community, the ultimate in amenities, privacy, serenity and security...the outside world cannot trouble you here."

This a very bizarre story. As you hear the "rules" of the neighborhood, you wonder why anyone would live there.

Sophia believes she was "made for" her husband. She has a comfortable, perfect life. Or so she thinks. Beautiful home in a sought after neighborhood with a husband who adores her. But is often away at all house due to his job.

Sophia is looking forward to her workspace in the basement being finished. But now she can't go down there. The door is locked. She's told it's dangerous. She adheres to a strict schedule and keeps a good appearance. Everything she does reflects upon her husband. But then she discovers something that doesn't seem quite right. And that's all I can tell you without giving too many spoilers.

This book was very bizarre and had a definite Adam and Eve undertone. But it's a quick read and might be one of the weirdest books I've read. If you like strange stories, this one is for you!

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was bananas. And to say too much more would be to spoil the entire plot. But [insert character name here] is exactly who we would expect them to be given what this story is a retelling of. And I kind of which we got more of them to really experience it.

I loved the subtle, gruesome imagery, as well as the hidden terror of everyone else in Arcadia. It is a little long-winded, especially in the beginning, but I think it does a really good job setting up Sophia's mindset and giving the reader that unsettling feeling that something somewhere is very very wrong.

Though I'm really curious as to how homegirl had a vanity with a drawer she has never seen nor cleaned and just... Didn't know it was there? That was strange.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an audiobook version in exchange for an honest review.

Weird! yes, I love weird but this book was like two different books in one for me... It started out with so many unknowns, a mystery of many details.. who is the MC , where are we??? it reminded me of a dystopian future where we all live by strict rules. But then this morphed into an Adam and Eve tale.... huh?!? I just didn't get it. But I still gave it the 3 stars because the beginning really drew me in. I just didn't get the "retelling" part.
Our main character is a small and happy woman who finds her husband is keeping secrets from her . Read on to see where this story takes you... It's short and super intriguing , so why not!?
Good for fans of dystopian books

Ever since reading IN THE NIGHT GARDEN, I've been a huge fan of Valente's lyrical and downright poetic writing. I am always eager to dive into any world that she creates - be it aimed at younger audiences or adults. She's a truly gifted writer and this one makes my second experience with listening to her work. Other than looking at the lovely cover, I avoided reading any descriptions at all about it - which only made this all the more fun. Throughout the narrative, are the detailed rules of the neighborhood Sophie lives in which adds to the overall creepy atmosphere. Part fairy tale feel at first - with a home built just for her - except for a locked basement a la Bluebeard that her husband refuses her access to - the book also incorporates mythology too, for some unexpected twists.

Well-performed, I really enjoyed listening to this one. Though not long, I think this would still make for an excellent choice for a book club or other discussion group - especially as the holidays approach and many have less time for reading. I really enjoyed this quite a bit! Novellas aren't always my favorite format for fiction, but here the length worked just perfectly. As always, it leaves me excited to see where Valente will venture next!

Well this was fantastic! I listened to this as an audiobook all in one day. It isn’t going to work for everyone, but I was absolutely swept away by this one.

There is very strong atmosphere and creepy mystery. I was hooked. The characters are fascinating and engaging. I really wasn't sure what was going on for a long time, but I loved where this went. The ending was great and I appreciated what was ultimately discussed.

This is definitely going to be one of my Hugo nominees for 2022 best novella.

Sexual violence? Yeah, dubiously. Other content warnings? These are very spoilery warnings. (view spoiler)

ARC given in exchange for an honest review.

I honestly had no idea where this book was going and it took me the first few chapters to really orient myself with the world created in this book. It was very intriguing and detailed and I enjoyed that it only took about two hours to read so I could finish it in one sitting. I would definitely recommend to anyone who’s looking for something a little outside the box!

All I knew about Comfort Me With Apples before I read it is that it’s hard to summarize without spoilers. The basics are that it’s about a woman, Sophia, who lives in a planned community; Sophia’s only purpose in life is to please her husband. She was made for him.

When Sophia finds a mysterious object hidden in her kitchen, cracks start showing in her seemingly perfect existence. The simultaneous arrival of a dangerous new person only makes things worse, and things go downhill from there.

Comfort Me With Apples is short, just over two hours long in audio, and I finished it in two sittings. The narrator, Karis Campbell, alternates between too-perfect chirpiness as she reads out the rules of Sophia’s community between chapters and Stepford Wife calm as Sophia navigates her daily life. She’s also pretty great at unique voices for everyone else.

I was definitely disturbed at several points. I also didn’t guess where the story was going until pretty close to the final reveal. However, I feel like the ending somehow diminished everything once I understood the true nature of the story. It was horrifying, yes, but it was somehow less unsettling than I was expecting. Possibly I feel that way because I recognized what Valente was subverting.

It turns out that Comfort Me With Apples is a certain type of story. It’s an excellent example of the genre, but the ending made my writer’s brain fixate on the moving parts instead of fully enjoying it. All those potential mysteries collapse into something very specific, and that is somehow mildly disappointing.

If you have a few hours to spare, Comfort Me With Apples is definitely worth checking out. However, I’m not sure I would pay full price for such a short book. I also recommend reading the relevant quote from Song of Solomon.

A chilling domestic thriller with Valente's usual unusual-ness. The structure of the novella is interesting: chapters titled as different apple varieties alternate between Homeowners Association rules and narrative, the former of which grow increasingly restrictive as her very sheltered world begins to close in around Sophia.
Without giving away the twist, it's difficult to explain how clever this plot is, how completely resonant but unsatisfying the ending is.
That said, if you enjoy Valente's other delightfully weird, creepy stories, you'll whip through this quick thriller in an afternoon like I did.

Audio notes: This novella comes in at 2 hrs 20 min. and Karis Campbell brings the domestic, cheery terror to life. Highly recommended for audio readers.

I think I liked it? I was creeped out by it. It's a bit Stepford Wives-y and a bit Pleasantville-y and Vivarium-y (don't watch it, it's terrible, with Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots). It's short, it's dark, you may be familiar with its source material, as this is a retelling of a sort. I, personally, am pretty unfamiliar with the source material but I knew enough to make some connections but I'm sure others would get more out of it than I did. I say, give it a read or a listen, it'll only take a couple hours. You decide. But the less you know, the better.